ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Tigers gang up in Bangladesh vs West Indies
12:00 AM, June 18, 2019 / LAST MODIFIED: 06:19 AM, June 18, 2019

Third Eye

Tigers gang up on Windies

Beware of the Tigers when they are on the prowl.

They have just completed a famous hunt of the once mighty West Indies, whose pace-packed bowling unit tried to scare them off with a barrage of short stuff but succumbed to a ruthless counter-attack.

The margin of victory -- by seven wickets and a mind-boggling 51 balls to spare -- that too chasing a stiff 322, only speaks volume about how ruthless the Tigers were in what was a crucial World Cup fixture to keeping them alive in the race for a semifinal berth.

After opting to bowl, Bangladesh began their World Cup match against West Indies with a brilliant fielding effort, highlighted here by some fantastic efforts from Mohammad Saifuddin. Photo: AFP, Reuters

It was not only the second-highest successful run-chase in World Cup history, but also by far the best batting display by the Tigers in Taunton, where champion all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan was the superhero with a majestic unbeaten 124 off 99 balls.

It was a battle between brute force and skill, and the craft triumphed over raw power. West Indies muscled their way to 321 for eight thanks to hitting from their 'H trio' -- Shai Hope (96), Shimron Hetmyer (50 off 26) and Jason Holder (33 off 15). Opener Evin Lewis also chipped in with a robust 70 off 67 balls.

There was a time when it looked like the West Indies innings, which ebbed and flowed, would hit the 360 mark on the smallish ground. But Bangladesh bowled well at the death to arrest that surge. However, at the end of the day the Tigers showed that that even that would not have been a safe total for the Caribbeans to defend.

They were backed by vociferous cheers from their ever-loyal supporters, which this time included centurion Shakib Al Hasan’s wife, Umme Ahmed Shishir. Photo: AFP, Reuters

Some might argue that another 40-odd runs would have made a lot of difference, but if you look at the pace at which Bangladesh started the chase -- at just over seven runs an over at the onset -- and maintained that intensity till the end, you can safely say that the Tigers should have jetted past that target.

Shakib was the epicenter of a chase that even the Indian batting juggernaut would envy. The left-hander, it seemed, has decided to make the World Cup his own.

That he has already is topping the leading scorers' chart with a staggering 384 runs in four games is only a mere statistic in the context of the tournament.

For Bangladesh, they have finally got their best batsman batting at number three. He has been a revelation since he has been allowed to come up from number five. A back-to-back World Cup century after an imperious 121 against England has not only brought the best out of him, but also provided that balance to becoming a dangerous batting unit.

The Tiger plushie waving supporters were, Photo: AFP, Reuters

For those who have watched Shakib growing over the years, the most pleasant sight for them would be watching him hold the fort till victory was achieved. Shakib's new-found responsibility when the temptation was there to err is the biggest positive and something Tigers can treasure in years to come.

If Shakib was the superhero of Bangladesh's daredevil run-chase, there were also a few heroes in the match that had enough twists and turns to keep the fans on edge.

Shakib showed his appreciation with a friendly wave. Photo: AFP, Reuters

Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza not only won the toss but also bowled very well with the new ball. His decision to keep faith on the spinners and bringing in Liton Das for Mohammad Mithun were masterstrokes. His partnership with Mohammad Saifuddin with the new-ball effectively doused West Indies' desire of a flying start.

Saifuddin was the first of many heroes of the match. He did something any pace bowler would cherish -- he dismissed big-hitting Chris Gayle for a 13-ball duck. Pace bowler Mustafizur Rahman put the breaks on the West Indies surge with key wickets, including getting Andre Russel for a duck. Tamim's diving catch to dismiss a menacingly poised Hetmyer was a brilliant example of how well Bangladesh fielded. Everyone seemed to have got a spring in their step and they did not spill a single chance on offer.

A sublime Soumya Sarkar got a start and so did Tamim. The experienced left-hander was looking to come out on the big stage in a big way after a spell of three unimpressive games before he was undone by a brilliant piece of fielding.

Photo: AFP, Reuters

After Mushfiqur Rahim was caught the down the leg side, Bangladesh fans had a few butterflies in their stomach. But Liton more than justified his inclusion with a superb unbeaten 94 on his World Cup debut.

Bangladesh's next assignment is against the mighty Australians in three days' time. They have never beaten the Aussies on a World Cup stage. But so, what? They also had no wins in the World Cup against the West Indies prior to last night. If the Tigers are on the prowl, you can have to write about another famous hunt.

Photo: AFP, Reuters
West Indies captain Jason Holder was left wondering where it had all gone wrongs amid scenes of celebration from Bangladesh in both innings. Photo: AFP, Reuters

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